follow the journey of a busy mom as she strives to keep her family happy and healthy

Friday, January 22, 2010

Superbowl Snack Throwdown: Mom's Super Easy Kielbasa Bites

Kielbasa was the big winner in the very last week of HighLowAha's blogging contest. I must admit that I wasn't super excited about this one, though, because I'm not a fan of kielbasa. Then again, I don't salami either, and that was the other option... so I assumed this would be a lose-lose week.

However, even though I don't like kielbasa, I actually rather enjoyed this recipe from my mom and may or may not have even eaten quite a few in between snapping photographs. The carmelization adds such an interesting layer of flavor that leaves little guys rather addictive. And really, who doesn't enjoy food on a stick?

This little appetizer shouldn't even be called a "recipe" - it's just so beyond easy that I almost feel like I'm cheating. It takes a bit of time, but not effort; you can easily leave it while it's on the stove to tend to other tasks or dishes.

Ingredients

1 package kielbasa

1 12oz can ginger ale

Chop the kielbasa into 1/2" slices. Place in a medium to large skillet and pour the ginger ale over the top. Bring to a slow boil and then simmer until brown and caramelized and all liquid is gone, stirring occasionally - about 45 minutes to an hour.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email me!

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Lauren 101

Before my wedding in 2003, my idea of cooking was Kraft mac and cheese. My mother and my mother-in-law even left me several boxes of the blue box on my counter the day we returned from our honeymoon. I believe a few showed up in the wishing well at my bridal shower, too.

Once I became a Mrs, however, I figured I'd need to step it up in the kitchen.

I rarely prepared anything from scratch, though; it was frozen stuff chicken and rice in a pouch all the way.

About a year (and 20lbs) later, I decided that something needed to change in the kitchen. I went on a diet and lost the weight, but knew I needed to lose the habits too.

Armed with Rachael Ray cookbooks and the internet, I slowly began to expand my repertoire. I joined an online cooking forum and subscribed to about eleventy billion cooking blogs.

Cooking remains a challenge, however, as two sweet little boys joined our family over the last few years. Coupled with my full time job, I look for meals that are healthy and easy.

I also discovered a love for photography along the way, and while I'm about as unprofessional behind the camera as they come, I really enjoy honing my skills on my dinner - mainly because it can't run away like my two wild boys can.